One individual advisor, who isn't even in a senate confirmed position, does not carry the political weight to force the White House to move (in any Administration) I'm sorry, but I dealt with a few of these instances / appointee departure strategies in the first Admin, and here are some of the things I've learned.... 1. Lasting policy change takes time and negotiation. There are a hundred reasons for why stuff takes too long... the only thing that is constantly true, is that everything takes longer than it should in the policy world. 2. Doing this right before the election might feel good in the moment - but all but destroys any credibility you have to work with the Admin. the rest of the term. Very hard to regain trust. 3. The Trump White House and HHS have been very strategic and very very good at lining up the timing of their priorities. I would expect some of the delay is the emphasis on communicating priorities focused on the midterms. I fully expect a number of wins in the food policy arena to come out in Q1 of next year. Personal commentary: By all accounts Calley Means was a good operator within the department and Administration. But, this type of announcement, weeks before the election, just ain't cool or helpful to the cause.